The Election Commission of India reported a remarkable surge in voter participation during the Legislative Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and the initial phase of polling in West Bengal. Voting commenced at 7:00 AM on April 23, 2026, in both states, including by-elections in select constituencies in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Tamil Nadu witnessed an impressive overall voter turnout of 84.69 per cent by 5 pm, surpassing its previous record of 78.29 per cent in the 2011 Assembly elections. Notably, female voters exceeded male voters, indicating a significant rise in women’s electoral engagement.
West Bengal, in its Phase-I polling, saw an even more striking turnout of 91.78 per cent by 5 pm, surpassing its previous high of 84.72 per cent in 2011. Female participation led the way at 92.69 per cent, reflecting a strong national trend of female electoral involvement. The state has historically shown high voting percentages, with a steady increase over the years. The 2026 Phase-I turnout signifies a substantial escalation in voter enthusiasm and mobilization.
The elections were conducted with significant logistical scale and administrative oversight, according to EC officials. Across Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, over 9.33 crore voters were served through more than 1.19 lakh polling stations, with nearly 6 lakh polling personnel. Tamil Nadu accounted for 234 Assembly constituencies and over 5.7 crore electors, while West Bengal’s Phase-I covered 152 constituencies with approximately 3.6 crore voters. The Election Commission ensured 100 per cent live webcasting of polling stations for real-time monitoring, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
Operational efficiency was further enhanced through the ECINET platform, where Presiding Officers uploaded polling data immediately after voting closed. This aimed to minimize reporting delays and provide a clear picture of unprecedented participation. By-elections in Gujarat and Maharashtra showed relatively lower turnout levels compared to the larger Assembly elections but still reflected steady participation in localized contests.
